The 25-year-old originally departed Chelsea as part of the deal which saw
David Luiz move to west London from Benfica

Nemanja Matic claims that he has returned to Chelsea to work with “the best coach in the world” after the player’s £22 million move from Benfica was completed.

Matic, who left Chelsea for the Portuguese club three years ago as part of the deal to sign David Luiz, had offers to go elsewhere this month, but the Serbia international has revealed that Jose Mourinho, the Chelsea manager, was the deciding factor in his return to Stamford Bridge.

“I had other offers, but Mourinho is Mourinho,” Matic said. “It’s exciting to work with him, he is the best coach in the world and I want to work with him for a long time. I am ready.

“We have already spoken, he said to be professional, to give my best for the team.

“First, I want to play and help the team to win the Premier League and if it’s possible to play in and win the Champions League in the future [Matic is cup-tied in this year’s competition]. I want to win titles here.”

Mourinho said: “I am very pleased that Nemanja is returning to Chelsea. He has grown as a player in Portugal and has become a fantastic all-round midfielder. I am sure he will become a very important member of the squad and help us to achieve our ambitions.”

Matic made just three appearances for Chelsea during his first spell at the London club, but the 25-year-old now feels ready to make a big impression. He could make his debut in the Premier League match against Manchester United on Sunday.

“I’ve played regularly in a big club at Benfica, where it is not easy and there is a lot of pressure,” Matic said. “In those years I learned to be a winner and play under that pressure. I developed tactically in Portugal also, training very hard and I believe I am better physically also.

“Of course it is not the same Chelsea now. The team is younger now. When I was here before most of the players were very experienced, 30 years or older, and now we have a strong team with a big future.

“I am very happy for this opportunity to be back at this club. I feel very good because of that and just want to say I will give my best to help the team and make the Chelsea fans happy.

"I always watch Chelsea games when I have the time and step-by -step, game-by-game, Chelsea is growing. I speak with Branislav Ivanovic, my friend and international team-mate a lot, a few times each month, so I know everything about the club.”

Asked whether he was a similar character to Ivanovic, Matic replied: “I don’t know. I am a quiet family guy, but then I think he is also. Maybe he is a little bit crazy!

“I am a simple guy, most of the time I am with my family, my wife and my son. I like to be with them and they make me happy. My wife is five months pregnant with our second baby, a girl.”